Why do eunuchs who have been castrated still marry and take concubines?

In the feudal era of China, there was a group of people called eunuchs. Eunuchs, also known as eunuchs, were men who were forced to be castrated, losing their male functions. They were recruited into the harem to serve the emperor and his concubines.

The strange thing is that although the eunuchs were castrated, most of them still married and had concubines. Some had dozens of wives.

Many eunuchs lost their male functions but still decided to get married. (Photo: Sohu)

According to historical records, the first eunuchs to marry were from the Eastern Han Dynasty. During the reign of Emperor Cheng of Han, it was very common for eunuchs to marry. By the time of Emperor Huan of Han, famous eunuchs such as Dan Chao, Xu Huang, and Tang Hong all married openly.

During the Tang Dynasty, during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong, the eunuch Gao Lishi was greatly favored by the emperor. He married the daughter of a minor official. Later, this eunuch took advantage of the emperor's favor and secretly seized power, promoting his father-in-law to a high-ranking official position. Not only did he marry, but he also openly lived a lavish and wasteful life.

Later, the Song Dynasty emperors, in order to prevent eunuchs from running rampant, strictly forbade them from marrying. During the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Hongzu of the Ming Dynasty clearly forbade eunuchs from marrying. Anyone who deliberately violated the rule would be punished by being skinned. However, during the reign of Emperor Chengzu of the Ming Dynasty, this rule was abolished. At that time, eunuchs were also allowed to marry palace maids. This practice continued into the Qing Dynasty.

Eunuchs marry for a purpose

According to historical experts, eunuchs married for a purpose.

Firstly , getting married helps them relieve their needs. Even though eunuchs have been castrated, they still feel lonely and need someone to be with them. Therefore, many of them have married to find companions. Those who marry them are usually palace maids. This relationship is called “duong thuc”.

The reason why eunuchs marry is because of many other reasons behind it. (Photo: Sohu)

Second , to consolidate authority. Many eunuchs favored by the emperor had a certain position in the court, they would find ways to get married to consolidate their authority. Therefore, although getting married was just a formality, many eunuchs still decided to get married.

Third , having someone to take care of them. Many eunuchs worry about their future because they cannot have children. If they marry, they will have someone to keep them company and can rely on their wives when they are old and sick.

Quoc Thai (Source: Sohu)

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